St. Joseph leaders visit local military base

By Ashley Luthans

Leaders from the St. Joseph area came together Friday at the Missouri Air National Guard’s 139th Airlift Wing for the third annual Civic Leadership Academy.

Attendees were able to see the inner workings of the airlift wing while meeting the men and women who work to keep the base running. The purpose of the event was to help attendees learn more about the wing and how they can advocate for the military in the region.

Colonel Barrett Golden, the deputy commander of the 139th Airlift Wing, shared more about the event.

“We have 32 civic leaders from the entire area,” Golden said. “Predominantly St. Joseph, but we actually had some members come all the way as far as Lee’s Summit today. We like to host civic leaders, business owners, higher ranking folks that work in the industry in our area, and we like to give them awareness about the 139th Airlift Wing.”

Those attending took part in activities, went on a tour of the facilities and took a flight in a C-130 airplane.

St. Joseph School District coordinator of counseling Samantha Davis says the event was a great learning experience.

“It’s really just important for students when they’re making those post-secondary decisions just to kind of keep an open mind for all opportunities,” Davis said. “Really encourage if this is even just something you’ve kind of thought about to come out and tour.”

As the fourth largest employer in St. Joseph, the 139th Airlift Wing is economically and socially important to the city.

To learn more about the 139th Airlift Wing, visit their website.